Alternatives that will enhance, not harm, our important resources do exist. One example is the 6 million dollars recently spent to upgrade Route 3 West to three lanes. The difference was dramatic. On the other hand, the Outer Connector is estimated to cost in excess of 100 million dollars – some estimate it will cost more than 200 million dollars. Remember, this Is 100 million dollars that will be diverted from other needed transportation projects in our region. A good example is the Spotsylvania Parkway, which would not damage historic/natural resources and would enable county residents to use that road to move about the county instead of Route 3.

Corridor 1 proponents would like you to believe that this is the case but the truth is that it is not. COCA has been extremely effective in changing the momentum by participating in the process.

COCA has retained legal counsel and a traffic consultant and has recently received a preliminary legal opinion confirming that there are significant procedural questions about how the Outer Connector was justified in the first place.

Such legal work, however, is expensive and if we are to continue our efforts and be effective we must obtain more financial support.

The more people that become involved in this process, the more likely it is to change – much like the growth and quality of life issues that area residents are voicing their concerns about. There is probably no more important issue that will impact our areas quality of life and high growth than the Outer Connector.

Coalition Members such as Friends of the Rappahannock, the Sierra Club, Central Virginia Battlefields Trust and local members such as F.A.C.T.S. ( Fredericksburg Area Citizens for Transportation

Solutions), Concerned Citizens of Spotsylvania, and Stafford Citizens for Quality of Life have all made significant donations to the effort but the needs are great. If we are to continue our efforts, we need increased support. This is your opportunity to save the Rappahannock and to ensure that our Chancellorsville Battlefield is forever preserved.

It might be surprising to some, but one of the most effective ways of sidetracking Corridor 1 is to contact your local, State, and Federal legislators. Sometimes it may seem that they don’t listen but they do - especially if they hear from many and the contacts continue over time.

A single letter to your State or Federal Representative will have much more impact that you might think. Later in this newsletter, we list the names of your elected officials. Spotsylvania and Stafford Supervisors although they have already voted are facing elections in the Fall of 1999. The Outer Connector will become an election issue because of its connection to unmanaged growth. Let them know now how you feel and how you will vote.

Area Legislators and Important Contacts:

Senator R. Edward Houck

17th Senatorial District

P.O. Box 7

Spotsylvania, Va. 22553

Senator John H. Chichester

P.O. Box 904

Fredericksburg, Va. 22404-0904

Benjamin R. Humphreys, CTB

P.O. Box 249

Heathsville, Virginia 22473

Public Forums Scheduled – Learn more about how area road decisions are made!

Organization

U.S. Paid

Fredericksburg, Va

Permit No. 234

Governor Jim Gilmore

Office of the Governor

State Capitol

Richmond, VA 23219

Sen. Charles Robb

154 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Sen. John Warner

225 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Contact your elected representatives